GiaQuinta glad for gas tax suspension, calls for resolution of Iran conflict driving high prices

Last week, gas hit $4.99 per gallon across Indiana. Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced that Indiana's sales tax and excise tax on gasoline – totaling $0.59 per gallon – will be suspended for 30 days, following April's suspension of the sales tax alone.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response:

"I am grateful that Hoosiers will get relief at the pump for another 30 days. Rep. Gregory W. Porter called for suspending both the sales tax and excise tax on gasoline last month, and House Democrats are glad Gov. Braun has now taken that step. However, our governor can also lobby his allies in D.C. to ease prices at the pump.

"Gas was affordable until the president chose to escalate in Iran with no clear strategy, no defined goals and no exit plan. That choice disrupted global energy markets, and Hoosiers are paying for it every time they fill up. Suspending both gas taxes gives Hoosiers $0.59 back per gallon, but the president's policy chaos is costing them far more than that. We're putting a band-aid on a wound the White House created.

"It's time for Gov. Braun and Indiana's congressional Republicans to push for an end to the war in Iran. This is the single most effective action they could take today to bring down prices for Hoosiers in the long term, not just this month."

House Democrats mourn the loss of retired Rep. Chet Dobis

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Chet Dobis, a longtime Democratic state representative from Merrillville, passed away May 2 at the age of 83. First elected in 1970, Dobis served as Speaker Pro Tempore for 18 years under three different House speakers. He served for 42 years, retiring in 2012.

Throughout his time in the legislature, Dobis passed many bills enhancing public safety,  public finance reform and fought for his community in Northwest Indiana.

House Democratic Caucus Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), who served in the House with Dobis for six years, issued the following statement:

"Rep. Dobis ran a tight ship when he was called to preside over the House. He was not only the gold standard as how to run the House floor proceedings, but he served as a mentor for a lot of new legislators and staff members. Always willing to work across the aisle, Chet championed legislation that continues to have a positive impact on Indiana today.

"The House Democratic Caucus extends our condolences and prayers to his wife, Darlene, and his family and friends. Rep. Dobis has left behind a legacy of leadership and stewardship that we should all strive for in the Statehouse and in our local communities."

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GiaQuinta issues statement on SCOTUS Voting Rights Act decision

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to require Louisiana to redraw its congressional maps to undo efforts to give Black voters equal representation following the 2020 census. The most recent map gave Louisiana, where Black residents represent roughly 33% of the state's population, two majority-Black districts. A Republican-backed lawsuit argued that the maps created districts based on race, which violates the 14th Amendment. The court ultimately agreed, furthering diluting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on behalf of House Democrats:

"Hoosiers and Americans care deeply about fair play and fair representation.

"Last fall, Indiana had a months-long battle over Gov. Braun and House Republicans' attempt to redraw the compact congressional district representing most of Indianapolis, a district with a 31% Black population and 16% Hispanic population. Their proposed map would have split the city into four districts, each stretching from dense urban Indianapolis to rural counties in completely different parts of the state. The map also carved up urban Lake County and other major cities throughout the state, and Hoosiers resoundingly rejected it. They understood that spreading representation across vastly different communities means everyone loses.

"Today's Supreme Court decision will drown out minority voices by allowing partisan maps that carve up majority-Black districts for pure political gain and rigging elections before they even happen. This ruling violates the spirit of the Voting Rights Act. People need to trust that their representatives are truly accountable to them, and map rigging destroys that trust. Indiana House Democrats will keep fighting for fair maps that reflect our communities, not maps drawn to protect one political party."

GiaQuinta and Miller issue statement on proposed quarry project

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued a joint statement on the proposed limestone quarry project in Allen County:

"We have heard from many constituents across Allen County opposed to the proposed limestone quarry, and we want them to know their voices matter. We join them in opposition to the proposed development.

"We support economic development that creates jobs and strengthens our region. But development must be compatible with the communities it surrounds. This proposal raises legitimate questions about air quality, groundwater, wetland preservation, and the long-term character of a neighborhood that includes schools, a major health campus and thousands of families.

"We encourage all affected residents to attend the May 26 public hearing at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and make their voices heard."

GiaQuinta comments on child care funding transfer

Today, Gov. Braun announced that he will request approval from the State Budget Committee for a $200 million transfer from the state General Fund to fund Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program. CCDF's vouchers help families pay for child care expenses, and the $200 million would move 14,000 children off the waitlist starting in May, according to the Braun administration.

This comes after Braun paused new vouchers and cut reimbursement rates for providers, resulting in the closure of hundreds of child care facilities around the state, including one in House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne)'s district. There will still be 21,400 children remaining on the waitlist.

GiaQuinta issued the following statement in response to the funding infusion:

"Too little, too late. While I'm thankful that Gov. Braun has taken steps to resuscitate our statewide child care program today, the reality is that the system was teetering on the brink of collapse back in Fall 2025 thanks to decisions made by him and Statehouse Republicans. For many providers, including a beloved one in my hometown of Fort Wayne, doors shut back in November and December.

"In December, House Democrats offered an opportunity for House Republicans to reject the redistricting bill and fund CCDF vouchers for a year. They said no. In last year's budget, Statehouse Republicans prioritized expanding private K-12 vouchers to Indiana's wealthiest families instead of funding child care and getting our neediest working families off the waitlist.

"I say all this not to descend into the partisan bickering that I know Hoosiers are tired of. I say this to let Hoosiers know that the near-collapse of our child care system is an active decision that Statehouse Republicans made time and time again.

"The money has always been there – the question has been whether there is the political will to invest in the hard-working, low-income families that keep our state economy running."

House Democrats support gas tax suspension, question timing

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's gas use tax, which hit 17.2 cents per gallon in April, amid geopolitical crises leading to gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $4.25 a gallon in Indiana.

In 2022, Statehouse Democrats repeatedly called for the suspension of the gas tax starting in March when the tax hit 18.2 cents per gallon and peaked at 29.4 cents in August. Statehouse Republicans refused to suspend the tax then, even when the state was flush with federal cash.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement:

"It's clear that Hoosiers are in desperate need of economic relief, and I'm in favor of anything that can provide that, including suspending the gas tax. However, it's been clear for a long time that Hoosiers are struggling, and it's frustrating that it had to get this bad before Indiana Republicans took action.

"Back in 2022, House Democrats called for a gas tax suspension when gas prices soared due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our calls went unanswered by the Republican supermajority, who instead allowed Hoosiers to continue draining their wallets at the gas pump.

"I want to be clear: House Democrats support this suspension, but Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans are only cleaning up a mess that they helped create. Hoosiers are tired of unstrategic and unfocused foreign wars that cost American lives, drive up gas prices and raise the cost of living.

"This isn't leadership, it's a last-minute scramble to keep up the Indiana GOP's charade of being the 'fiscally responsible' party."

GiaQuinta weighs in on Supreme Court overturn of tariffs

Today, the Supreme Court overturned the Trump administration's global tariffs, ruling that Congress has the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. These overly broad and expansive tariffs have caused rising costs for Hoosier consumers and businesses and a decline in new job creation across America.    

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"Thank you to the Supreme Court for recognizing that the power of the purse clearly lies with Congress, not the executive branch.

"More importantly, I'm glad that Hoosiers will see some relief from the needless trade war and unnecessary taxes they've been paying at the store. House Democrats have been laser focused on lowering costs because Hoosiers have been struggling to pay utility bills, rent, health care bills and more. The tariffs only added fuel to the cost-of-living fire. Thank goodness they're going away.

"We need trade deals that keep jobs here and Indiana's manufacturing industry strong – not tax the average American family $1200 a year."

GiaQuinta mourns “Hoosier hero” Rep. Lee Hamilton

Former Democratic United States Rep. Lee Hamilton died Feb. 3 in Bloomington, Indiana at the age of 94. He served Indiana's ninth congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1965-1999. Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Hamilton's passing:

"Rep. Lee Hamilton was a Hoosier hero who dedicated his life to service and bolstering national security. Throughout his 34 years serving in Congress Rep. Hamilton worked across the aisle for the benefit of his fellow Americans, something politicians from our city halls to the halls of Congress should always strive to do.  As a lawmaker, Hamilton dedicated much of his work in D.C. and after leaving Congress toward strengthening American democracy through civic engagement.

"After he left Congress in 1999, his work still wasn't done. In 2002, former President George W. Bush appointed Hamilton as the vice-chairman of the 9/11 Commission. He also went on to start the Indiana University Center on Representative Government as the Center on Congress in 1999. From Washington, D.C. to Bloomington, Rep. Hamilton's dedication to public service has made Indiana, and our nation, stronger."

GiaQuinta: ‘Hoosiers should not expect an improvement in the cost of living from House Republicans’

Today, the Indiana House of Representatives concluded its action for the first half of the 2026 legislative session.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement at halftime:

"House Republicans say there's no time or money to give you immediate relief on your utility bills, lower your health care costs, keep kids in child care classrooms or protect your safety or freedom. But they somehow found time and money to give bigger tax bailouts to utility companies and data centers, eliminate teacher collective bargaining rights and shield the Indiana Economic Development Corporation from an investigation on misused taxpayer dollars.

"There have been a few bright spots, like bipartisan support for utility rate-making reform. But House Republicans still voted down House Democrats' efforts to strengthen House Bill 1002. All in all, Hoosiers should not expect an improvement in the cost of living from House Republicans. I want Hoosiers to know that it doesn't have to be this way. House Republicans continue to prioritize special interests and pointless culture wars over real relief for Hoosiers as costs continue to rise."

House Democrats fight for immediate utility affordability

Today, Indiana House Democrats offered 12 amendments to House Bill 1002 to immediately lower utility bills for Hoosier residential customers. All were rejected or blocked by Indiana House Republicans.

See the list of amendments and descriptions: 

• Amendment #4: Allows Hoosiers to tap into low-cost energy through small-scale, community-based renewable energy projects.

• Amendment #5: Protects medically vulnerable Hoosiers by prohibiting disconnections for individuals who have a certified medical condition that could result in severe illness or death in the event of a power outage.

• Amendment #6: Requires utility companies to include information about payment assistance programs in on the monthly bills of senior customers. 

• Amendment #7: Holds utilities accountable for reliable service by requiring they reimburse customers for any financial losses suffered as the result of an outage.

• Amendment #8: Protects Hoosiers from private equity firms acquiring Indiana utility companies that lead to rate hikes.

• Amendment #10: Creates a 1-year moratorium on the 7% sales tax on residential utility bills and prohibits IURC from issuing future tax breaks for data centers and quantum computing facilities.

• Amendment 11: Prohibits utilities from passing on the costs of lobbying and political activities to customers. This amendment was blocked on procedural grounds instead of outright rejected.

• Amendment #13: Prohibits utility companies from raising utility rates more than 3% and require utility companies to hold 3 public hearings in the affected utility service area before raising rates. 

• Amendment #14: Prohibits utility companies from disconnecting residential electric or natural gas service during the coldest time of year (beginning Dec. 1 and ending March 15).

• Amendment #15: Eliminates the 7% sales tax on residential utility bills. 

• Amendment #16: Prohibits the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) from approving a rate increase above 3% of the average monthly bill. 

• Amendment #19: Prohibits any increases on fixed rates and charges for utility bills for the next two years. (Effective June 30, 2026 to July 1, 2028).

Full vote counts for each of the amendments will be available here.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement on the rejection of all House Democrat amendments:

"House Bill 1002 is a step in the right direction, but Hoosiers have been clear: They need immediate relief on skyrocketing utility bills yesterday. Hoosiers have done everything right – they've kept their heat down and bundled up around the house, but their energy bill keeps going up. They cannot wait for levelized billing or performance-based ratemaking to kick in.

"That's why House Democrats offered amendments to take urgent action, from repealing the sales tax on residential bills and suspending all residential shutoffs during the cold weather months to prohibiting exorbitant rate hikes and stopping utilities from increasing their fixed rates and charges.

"All our utility affordability amendments were voted down by House Republicans. Hoosiers should take note that House Republicans are not interested in giving them immediate relief on their utility bills while preserving the ability for lawmakers to take lobbyist money without scrutiny and big data center tax breaks. House Democrats understand that working people are doing all they can to make ends meet, but they need the legislature to step in and get bills under control."

GiaQuinta reacts to 2026 State of the State

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement reacting to Gov. Mike Braun's 2026 State of the State address:

"House Democrats agree with Gov. Braun that Hoosiers are no better off than they were a year ago – and that’s thanks to him and the Braun supermajority. 

"If Statehouse Republicans wanted to lower costs, they would have already done that. They've been in charge for the past 20 years.

"Now that Gov. Braun is catching up to the fact that Hoosiers are struggling, he's talking about affordable utilities and child care. But his actions over the past year speak differently. Under Gov. Braun's watch, Indiana has seen the highest utility rate hikes in 20 years, doubled health insurance premiums for 300,000 Hoosiers, and dozens of child care centers close because of his voucher cuts.   

"Gov. Braun has failed at making life more affordable for Hoosiers while gutting the programs that help them get by, like health care, food assistance, child care, and public safety. The proof is in Hoosiers' wallets – they need real relief, not lip service without action."

Indiana House Democrats introduce Working Hoosiers Agenda

Today, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by.

Those measures include bringing utility costs down; lowering health care costs and protecting Hoosiers from medical debt; helping Hoosiers buy their first home through housing reform; delivering accessible, affordable and safe child care to working families; and keeping Indiana safe for all Hoosiers.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on the Working Hoosiers Agenda:

"From utility bills and health insurance to housing costs and child care, Hoosiers are getting nickled and dimed to death. We're laser focused on bringing down costs across the board and we've offered solutions to do just that. Hoosiers need to come first in our state's regulatory pecking order – not big corporations, not Big Tech, not special interests.

"Indiana House Democrats’ Working Hoosiers Agenda is about leveling the playing field for the hard-working people who power our state. Hoosiers need a hand up, not a handout. Our agenda accomplishes this so that Hoosiers get real relief, not more lip service from the Braun supermajority."

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below:

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills 

• Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility bills (estimated $350 average annual savings per household)

• Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins 

• Pause skyrocketing rate hikes 

• Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts 

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt 

• Cap insurance premiums 

• Create a state health insurance exchange 

• Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores 

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners 

• Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases 

• Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on predatory real estate investors 

• Deliver a property tax credit for real and immediate relief for homeowners 

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families 

• Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents 

• Save families money through a childcare tax credit 

• Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work 

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods 

• Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input 

• Keep violent offenders off the streets and deter violent crimes against law enforcement officers through harsher sentencing